Mouth and Esophagus Flashcards
What is the role of the mouth in digestion?
begins digestion by chewing and mixing with saliva
What is the role of the tongue in digestion?
moves food during chewing, connects to the floor of the mouth via the frenulum, contains papillar
What is the palate?
forms roof of oral cavity (hard and soft); uvula at back of mouth
What are the palatine tonsils?
back of the mouth/throat, organs that protect agains infection (part of immune system)
What are tonsil stones?
hard white formations located within the tonsils
What is mastication?
the process by which food is crushed by teeth
Where does mastication occur and what does is produce?
occurs in the mouth, produces bolus for swallowing
What enzymes are secreted in saliva?
amylase
What is the function of amylase?
breaks down starch into sugars
What are the 3 major salivary glands?
parotid, submandibular, sublingual
What are the 3 sections of the pharynx?
nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx
What is the esophagus?
moves food to the stomach
What is esophageal hiatus?
where the esophagus penetrates the diaphragm
